Some TMP members are curious how I shoot and edit my flying aircraft photos.
Wait for a nice calm day with bright sunshine, minimal clouds.
For my PBY (and Me-110) shoot I've tried new items for mounting. I caution hobbyists to use a mounting method they'll feel comfortable with and trust. Nothing worse than breaking a brand-new hand painted miniature.
Used a large drywall screw and pressed the flat screw head against the 3M product double-sided adhesive strip to create the model attachment point.
When I was finished with the photo shoot I removed the screw and adhesive strip from the PBY's hull. I followed the 3M instructions when removing the strip and there is no mark left on the model.
Next, I used a universal ball joint alligator clip from a model hobby vise and slipped over a 6' tall X 3/8" diameter steel rod. I used a magnet (red item on tabletop to steady the standard upright).
Attached alligator clip to drywall screw threads.
I take photos using a digital camera and transfer images to my computer. I make a copy and rename each image in case I make a mistake editing the copy.
I open the image I wish to edit with the Microsoft Paint program on my computer.
To remove the standard and clip I cut and paste bits of the sky next to the bits of items I wish to "disappear".
A note on selecting the bits you'll need. In the paint program drop down the Select choice from the default home tab and click on the Transparent selection option.
Going forward use the Free-form selection tool to graft the background sky over items you want to hide.
It will take patience and practice to get the hang of it and make it realistic but I find I enjoy the challenge.
Tip 1: Keep the stand as narrow and perpendicular as possible. This makes matching the background easier.
(That is why a non-hazy clear blue day is so easy to line up backgrounds to match)
Tip 2: Notice the aura the sunlight imparts to the outline of an aircraft. This is where I spend most of my time editing an image. Tricky, Tricky.
Finally, I upload my images to Flickr. Right click on the image you wish to share with the TMP community, select Copy Image Link and paste the link inside the Topic's Message field.
I always enjoy viewing other member's pictures in the Aviation Gallery, perhaps I'll see some more of them in flight? :-)
completes his work by applying decals, doing a bit of weathering, and coating the minis with a matte-finish.
